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Lindman M, Estevez I, Marmut E, DaPrano EM, Chou TW, Newman K, Atkins C, O’Brown NM, Daniels BP. Astrocytic RIPK3 exerts protective anti-inflammatory activity during viral encephalitis via induction of serpin protease inhibitors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.21.595181. [PMID: 38826345 PMCID: PMC11142122 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.21.595181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Flaviviruses pose a significant threat to public health due to their ability to infect the central nervous system (CNS) and cause severe neurologic disease. Astrocytes play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of flavivirus encephalitis through their maintenance of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and their modulation of immune cell recruitment and activation within the CNS. We have previously shown that receptor interacting protein kinase-3 (RIPK3) is a central coordinator of neuroinflammation during CNS viral infection, a function that occurs independently of its canonical function in inducing necroptotic cell death. To date, however, roles for necroptosis-independent RIPK3 signaling in astrocytes are poorly understood. Here, we use mouse genetic tools to induce astrocyte-specific deletion, overexpression, and chemogenetic activation of RIPK3 to demonstrate an unexpected anti-inflammatory function for astrocytic RIPK3. RIPK3 activation in astrocytes was required for host survival in multiple models of flavivirus encephalitis, where it restricted neuropathogenesis by limiting immune cell recruitment to the CNS. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that, despite inducing a traditional pro-inflammatory transcriptional program, astrocytic RIPK3 paradoxically promoted neuroprotection through the upregulation of serpins, endogenous protease inhibitors with broad immunomodulatory activity. Notably, intracerebroventricular administration of SerpinA3N in infected mice preserved BBB integrity, reduced leukocyte infiltration, and improved survival outcomes in mice lacking astrocytic RIPK3. These findings highlight a previously unappreciated role for astrocytic RIPK3 in suppressing pathologic neuroinflammation and suggests new therapeutic targets for the treatment of flavivirus encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Lindman
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Irving Estevez
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Eduard Marmut
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Evan M. DaPrano
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Tsui-Wen Chou
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kimberly Newman
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Colm Atkins
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Natasha M. O’Brown
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Brian P. Daniels
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Elaine Mankge M, Penistacia Maela M, Mark Abrahams A, Hope Serepa-Dlamini M. Screening of Bacillus spp. bacterial endophytes for protease production, and application in feather degradation and bio-detergent additive. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30736. [PMID: 38765083 PMCID: PMC11098850 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Research on proteases and secondary metabolites from endophytes is an area that requires attention from researchers. In this study, proteases from Bacillus sp. strain MHSD16 and Bacillus sp. strain MHSD17 endophytes were characterised, and their potential biotechnological applications were investigated. Optimum protease production was achieved when isolates were grown in media containing (g/L): glucose 10g, casein 5g, yeast extract 5g, KH2PO4 2g, Na2CO3 10g at pH 9. The crude protease extracts were active in alkaline environments, thus referred to as alkaline proteases with optimal pH of 10. Additionally, Bacillus sp. strain MHSD 16 and Bacillus sp. strain MHSD17 proteases were active at high temperatures, with optimum enzyme activity at 50 °C. Thermostability profiles of these proteases showed that the enzymes were highly stable between (40-60 °C), maintaining over 85 % stability after 120 min incubation at 60 °C. Furthermore, the enzymes were stable and compatible with various household and laundry detergents. In the presence of commercial laundry detergent, OMO® 68 % and 72 % activity was retained for Bacillus sp. strain MHSD16 and Bacillus sp. strain MHSD17, respectively, while 67 % and 68 % activity were retained in the presence of Sunlight®. The potential application for use in detergents was investigated through the removal of blood stains with the crude alkaline extracts displaying efficient stain removal abilities. Feather degradation was also investigated and Bacillus sp. MHSD17 exhibited feather keratin degrading properties more effectively than Bacillus sp. MHSD16.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malese Elaine Mankge
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa
| | - Mehabo Penistacia Maela
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa
| | - Adrian Mark Abrahams
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa
| | - Mahloro Hope Serepa-Dlamini
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa
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Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia, Clozapine Resistance, Genetic Associations, and Implications for Precision Psychiatry: A Scoping Review. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030689. [PMID: 36980961 PMCID: PMC10048540 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) is often associated with severe burden of disease, poor quality of life and functional impairment. Clozapine is the gold standard for the treatment of TRS, although it is also known to cause significant side effects in some patients. In view of the burgeoning interest in the role of genetic factors in precision psychiatry, we conducted a scoping review to narratively summarize the current genetic factors associated with TRS, clozapine resistance and side effects to clozapine treatment. We searched PubMed from inception to December 2022 and included 104 relevant studies in this review. Extant evidence comprised associations between TRS and clozapine resistance with genetic factors related to mainly dopaminergic and serotoninergic neurotransmitter systems, specifically, TRS and rs4680, rs4818 within COMT, and rs1799978 within DRD2; clozapine resistance and DRD3 polymorphisms, CYP1A2 polymorphisms; weight gain with LEP and SNAP-25 genes; and agranulocytosis risk with HLA-related polymorphisms. Future studies, including replication in larger multi-site samples, are still needed to elucidate putative risk genes and the interactions between different genes and their correlations with relevant clinical factors such as psychopathology, psychosocial functioning, cognition and progressive changes with treatment over time in TRS and clozapine resistance.
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Ferreira GC, Bomediano Camillo LDM, Sasaki SD. Structural and functional properties of rBmTI-A: A Kunitz-BPTI serine protease inhibitor with therapeutical potential. Biochimie 2023; 204:1-7. [PMID: 36037882 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Serine proteases are an important group of enzymes present in several organisms such as viruses, bacteria and eukaryotes involved in several physiological and pathological processes such as cancer, neurodegeneration, tissue inflammation and infections. Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors have been studied as therapeutical targets with positive results in many of these diseases. rBmTI-A (recombinant B. microplus Trypsin Inhibitor A) is a Kunitz-BPTI type inhibitor based on the native protein BmTI-A. BmTI-A was extracted from tick larvae and presented inhibitory activity against trypsin, human plasma kallikrein (HuPK), human neutrophil elastase (HNE) and human plasmin. rBmTI-A presented the same inhibitory activities of the BmTI-A and its thermostability has already been demonstrated. In emphysema induced by porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and by cigarette smoke animal models, the treatment using rBmTI-A showed a protective effect against the development of pulmonary emphysema and prevented the increase of inflammatory cells. In chronic allergic animal model, rBmTI-A treatment resulted in attenuated bronchial hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, remodeling. These are important physiological results in emphysema and lung inflammatory animal models with rBmTI-A treatment confirming its therapeutical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziele Cristina Ferreira
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC - UFABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil; Graduate Program on Biosystems, Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lívia de Moraes Bomediano Camillo
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC - UFABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil; Graduate Program on Biosystems, Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio Daishi Sasaki
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC - UFABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil; Graduate Program on Biosystems, Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Cheng BX, Shao GY, Li Y, Tian QQ, Wang SY, Liu F. Molecular cloning and characterisation of the PmEglin cDNA in the leech Hirudinaria sp. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01277-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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An Integrative Analysis of Identified Schizophrenia-Associated Brain Cell Types and Gene Expression Changes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911581. [PMID: 36232882 PMCID: PMC9569514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe mental disorder that may result in hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking. How each cell type in the brain contributes to SCZ occurrence is still unclear. Here, we leveraged the human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex bulk RNA-seq data, then used the RNA-seq deconvolution algorithm CIBERSORTx to generate SCZ brain single-cell RNA-seq data for a comprehensive analysis to understand SCZ-associated brain cell types and gene expression changes. Firstly, we observed that the proportions of brain cell types in SCZ differed from normal samples. Among these cell types, astrocyte, pericyte, and PAX6 cells were found to have a higher proportion in SCZ patients (astrocyte: SCZ = 0.163, control = 0.145, P.adj = 4.9 × 10-4, effect size = 0.478; pericyte: SCZ = 0.057, control = 0.066, P.adj = 1.1 × 10-4, effect size = 0.519; PAX6: SCZ = 0.014, control = 0.011, P.adj = 0.014, effect size = 0.377), while the L5/6_IT_CAR3 cells and LAMP5 cells are the exact opposite (L5/6_IT_Car3: SCZ = 0.102, control = 0.108, P.adj = 0.016, effect size = 0.369; LAMP5: SCZ = 0.057, control = 0.066, P.adj = 2.2 × 10-6, effect size = 0.617). Next, we investigated gene expression in cell types and functional pathways in SCZ. We observed chemical synaptic transmission dysregulation in two types of GABAergic neurons (PVALB and LAMP5), and immune reaction involvement in GABAergic neurons (SST) and non-neuronal cell types (endothelial and oligodendrocyte). Furthermore, we observed that some differential expression genes from bulk RNA-seq displayed cell-type-specific abnormalities in the expression of molecules in SCZ. Finally, the cell types with the SCZ-related transcriptomic changes could be considered to belong to the same module since we observed two major similar coordinated transcriptomic changes across these cell types. Together, our results offer novel insights into cellular heterogeneity and the molecular mechanisms underlying SCZ.
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MacNeill C, Umstead T, Shearer D, Weisz J, Phelps DS, Floros J. A Pilot Proteomic Study of Vestibular Fluid From Patients With Vulvodynia. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2022; 26:169-175. [PMID: 35249975 PMCID: PMC8936154 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many women are affected by vulvodynia, but medical therapies to date have proven ineffective. We performed a pilot study using gel-based proteomics to develop a map of proteins present in vaginal/vestibular secretions and identify proteins that could be considered for future evaluation as potential therapeutic targets. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected vestibular fluid from 4 controls and 4 patients with vulvodynia by placing a cotton swab in the vestibule and extracting the absorbed proteins. The proteins underwent 2-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to develop a protein map. Immunohistochemistry was used to validate proteomic findings. RESULTS A map was constructed of 32 of the more abundant proteins in vestibular fluid and their levels compared in control subjects and vulvodynia patients. Among these were annexin A1, interleukin 1 receptor antagonist, protein S100 A9, and a number of antiproteases and proteases. Many of these proteins differed by at least 50% between groups, but only annexin A1, one of the protease inhibitors, and immunoglobulin G κ chain were significantly different. The results with annexin A1 were validated by similar findings with immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this pilot study demonstrate a set of vestibule mucosa proteins that differ significantly-either increasing or decreasing-in vulvodynia patients compared with controls, and several others that exhibited greater than 1.5-fold change but did not reach statistical significance. This study constitutes a proof-of-principle that an open, unbiased proteomic approach can identify molecular participants in vulvodynia, some of which had not been identified to date by hypothesis-driven studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin MacNeill
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Todd Umstead
- Penn State Center for Host Defense, Inflammatory, and Lung Disease (CHILD) Research, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
- Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Debra Shearer
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Judith Weisz
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
- Department of Pathology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - David S. Phelps
- Penn State Center for Host Defense, Inflammatory, and Lung Disease (CHILD) Research, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
- Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Joanna Floros
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
- Penn State Center for Host Defense, Inflammatory, and Lung Disease (CHILD) Research, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
- Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
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8
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Chen S, Siedhoff HR, Zhang H, Liu P, Balderrama A, Li R, Johnson C, Greenlief CM, Koopmans B, Hoffman T, DePalma RG, Li DP, Cui J, Gu Z. Low-intensity blast induces acute glutamatergic hyperexcitability in mouse hippocampus leading to long-term learning deficits and altered expression of proteins involved in synaptic plasticity and serine protease inhibitors. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 165:105634. [PMID: 35077822 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurocognitive consequences of blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) pose significant concerns for military service members and veterans with the majority of "invisible injury." However, the underlying mechanism of such mild bTBI by low-intensity blast (LIB) exposure for long-term cognitive and mental deficits remains elusive. Our previous studies have shown that mice exposed to LIB result in nanoscale ultrastructural abnormalities in the absence of gross or apparent cellular damage in the brain. Here we tested the hypothesis that glutamatergic hyperexcitability may contribute to long-term learning deficits. Using brain slice electrophysiological recordings, we found an increase in averaged frequencies with a burst pattern of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in hippocampal CA3 neurons in LIB-exposed mice at 1- and 7-days post injury, which was blocked by a specific NMDA receptor antagonist AP5. In addition, cognitive function assessed at 3-months post LIB exposure by automated home-cage monitoring showed deficits in dynamic patterns of discrimination learning and cognitive flexibility in LIB-exposed mice. Collected hippocampal tissue was further processed for quantitative global-proteomic analysis. Advanced data-independent acquisition for quantitative tandem mass spectrometry analysis identified altered expression of proteins involved in synaptic plasticity and serine protease inhibitors in LIB-exposed mice. Some were correlated with the ability of discrimination learning and cognitive flexibility. These findings show that acute glutamatergic hyperexcitability in the hippocampus induced by LIB may contribute to long-term cognitive dysfunction and protein alterations. Studies using this military-relevant mouse model of mild bTBI provide valuable insights into developing a potential therapeutic strategy to ameliorate hyperexcitability-modulated LIB injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanyan Chen
- Truman VA Hospital Research Service, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Heather R Siedhoff
- Truman VA Hospital Research Service, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Pei Liu
- Charles W. Gehrke Proteomics Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Ashley Balderrama
- Truman VA Hospital Research Service, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Runting Li
- Truman VA Hospital Research Service, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Catherine Johnson
- Department of Mining and Nuclear Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409, USA
| | - C Michael Greenlief
- Charles W. Gehrke Proteomics Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | - Timothy Hoffman
- Truman VA Hospital Research Service, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Ralph G DePalma
- Office of Research and Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington DC 20420, USA; Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - De-Pei Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Jiankun Cui
- Truman VA Hospital Research Service, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
| | - Zezong Gu
- Truman VA Hospital Research Service, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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Lamotrigine effects on immune gene expression in larval zebrafish. Epilepsy Res 2021; 178:106823. [PMID: 34844088 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite growing evidence that neuroinflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of seizures and epilepsy, this knowledge has not been incorporated in the proposed mechanism of action of any of the current antiseizure medications (ASMs). Here, we tested the hypothesis by assessing inflammation markers in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to lamotrigine (LTG). METHODS In order to establish the most appropriate LTG concentrations for the transcriptome analysis (RNAseq), we initially assessed for teratogenic (spinal cord deformation, heart oedema, failed inflation of the swim bladder) and behavioural effects (distance moved, time spent active, and average swimming speed during a light/dark test) in zebrafish larvae exposed to 0, 50, 100, 300, 500, 750, and 1000 μM LTG continuously between 5 and 120 h post fertilisation. Subsequently, we repeated the experiment with 0, 50, 100, or 300 μM LTG for transcriptomic analyses. Two databases (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes; Gene Ontology) were used to interpret changes in gene expression between groups. RESULTS Major teratogenic effects were observed at concentrations of ≥ 500 μM LTG, whereas behavioural changes were observed at ≥ 300 μM LTG. Transcriptome analysis revealed a non-linear response to LTG. From the suite of differentially expressed genes (DEG), 85% (n = 80 DEGs) were upregulated following exposure to 50 μM LTG, whereas 58% (n = 12 DEGs) and 91% (n = 210 DEGs) were downregulated in response to 100 and 300 μM LTG. The metabolic pathways affected following exposure to 50 and 300 μM LTG were associated with responses to inflammation and pathogens as well development and regulation of the immune system in both groups. Notable genes within the lists of DEGs included component complement 3 (C3.a), which was significantly upregulated in response to 50 μM LTG, whereas interleukin 1β (IL-1β) was significantly downregulated in the 300 μM LTG group. The lowest exposure of 50 μM LTG is regarded as clinically relevant to therapeutic exposure. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that LTG had an impact on the immune system, with a non-monotonic response curve. This dose-dependent relation could indicate that LTG can affect inflammatory responses and also at clinically relevant concentration. Further studies are needed to establish this method as a tool for screening the effects of ASMs on the immune system.
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Yesilkaya UH, Gica S, Guney Tasdemir B, Ozkara Menekseoglu P, Cirakli Z, Karamustafalioglu N. A novel commentary: Investigation of the role of a balance between neurotrophic and apoptotic proteins in the pathogenesis of psychosis via the tPA-BDNF pathway. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 142:160-166. [PMID: 34359010 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.07.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many hypotheses have put forward to better understand the pathogenesis of schizophrenia (SZ), such as synaptic pruning, stress-diathesis, neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration and neurotransmitter hypothesis; nonetheless, this pathogenesis still remains a mystery. The current study was designed with the hypothesis that impairment of a balance between pro-BDNF/mature BDNF and their receptors p75NTRK/TrkB may cause synaptic pruning in the pathogenesis of psychotic disorders. METHODS Sixty-five drug-naïve patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) who applied to outpatient clinics and were diagnosed according to DSM-5 as well as 65 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. Symptoms at the time of evaluation were assessed with the PANSS scale by an experienced psychiatrist. Blood samples were collected from all participants to determine BDNF, pro-BDNF, TrkB and p75NTR, PAI1, tPA, ACTH and cortisol levels. RESULTS Mature BDNF, TrkB and PAI-1, tPA levels were significantly lower while the levels of ACTH and cortisol were significantly higher in FEP patients compared to HC. No significant difference was found in pro-BDNF and p75NTR levels between the two independent groups. The pro-BDNF/mature BDNF and the p75NTR/TrkB ratios were significantly higher in FEP patients compared to HC. Moreover, the pro-BDNF/mature BDNF and the p75NTR/TrkB ratios were found to be significantly associated with the pathogenesis of SZ in a hierarchical regression model. DISCUSSION Imbalance between neurotrophic and apoptotic proteins such as pro-BDNF/mature BDNF and p75NTR/TrkB may be take part pathogenesis of synaptic pruning in psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umit Haluk Yesilkaya
- Department of Psychiatry, Bakirkoy Prof Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Sakir Gica
- Department of Psychiatry, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Medical Faculty, Konya, Turkey
| | - Busra Guney Tasdemir
- Department of Psychiatry, Bakirkoy Prof Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pelin Ozkara Menekseoglu
- Department of Psychiatry, Bakirkoy Prof Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Cirakli
- Department of Biochemistry Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nesrin Karamustafalioglu
- Department of Psychiatry, Bakirkoy Prof Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
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Douglas TC, Hannila SS. Working from within: how secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor regulates the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 100:1-8. [PMID: 34555292 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2021-0284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is a small but powerful member of the serine protease inhibitor family, which includes proteins such as elafin and α1-antitrypsin. These proteins all have similar structures and antiprotease abilities, but SLPI has been found to have an additional role as an anti-inflammatory factor. It can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, prevent neutrophil infiltration in murine models of lung and liver injury, and regulate the activity of the transcription factor NF-κB. In this review, we will revisit SLPI's unique biochemistry, and then explore how its anti-inflammatory functions can be linked to more recent findings showing that SLPI can localize to the nuclei of cells, bind DNA, and act as a regulator of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinsley Claire Douglas
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.,Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Sari S Hannila
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.,Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
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12
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Akkouh IA, Hribkova H, Grabiec M, Budinska E, Szabo A, Kasparek T, Andreassen OA, Sun YM, Djurovic S. Derivation and Molecular Characterization of a Morphological Subpopulation of Human iPSC Astrocytes Reveal a Potential Role in Schizophrenia and Clozapine Response. Schizophr Bull 2021; 48:190-198. [PMID: 34357384 PMCID: PMC8781347 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbab092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the human brain and are important regulators of several critical cellular functions, including synaptic transmission. Although astrocytes are known to play a central role in the etiology and pathophysiology of schizophrenia, little is known about their potential involvement in clinical response to the antipsychotic clozapine. Moreover, astrocytes display a remarkable degree of morphological diversity, but the potential contribution of astrocytic subtypes to disease biology and drug response has received little attention. Here, we used state-of-the-art human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology to derive a morphological subtype of astrocytes from healthy individuals and individuals with schizophrenia, including responders and nonresponders to clozapine. Using functional assays and transcriptional profiling, we identified a distinct gene expression signature highly specific to schizophrenia as shown by disease association analysis of more than 10 000 diseases. We further found reduced levels of both glutamate and the NMDA receptor coagonist d-serine in subtype astrocytes derived from schizophrenia patients, and that exposure to clozapine only rescued this deficiency in cells from clozapine responders, providing further evidence that d-serine in particular, and NMDA receptor-mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission in general, could play an important role in disease pathophysiology and clozapine action. Our study represents a first attempt to explore the potential contribution of astrocyte diversity to schizophrenia pathophysiology using a human cellular model. Our findings suggest that specialized subtypes of astrocytes could be important modulators of disease pathophysiology and clinical drug response, and warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim A Akkouh
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,To whom correspondence should be addressed; Postbox 4956, Nydalen, Building 49, 0424 Oslo, Norway; tel: 4798470640, e-mail:
| | - Hana Hribkova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Grabiec
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Budinska
- Bioinformatics in Translational Research, RECETOX & IBA, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Attila Szabo
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tomas Kasparek
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yuh-Man Sun
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Srdjan Djurovic
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,NORMENT, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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13
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Zhang H, Lipinski AA, Liktor-Busa E, Smith AF, Moutal A, Khanna R, Langlais PR, Largent-Milnes TM, Vanderah TW. The Effects of Repeated Morphine Treatment on the Endogenous Cannabinoid System in the Ventral Tegmental Area. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:632757. [PMID: 33953672 PMCID: PMC8090348 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.632757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic utility of opioids is diminished by their ability to induce rewarding behaviors that may lead to opioid use disorder. Recently, the endogenous cannabinoid system has emerged as a hot topic in the study of opioid reward but relatively little is known about how repeated opioid exposure may affect the endogenous cannabinoid system in the mesolimbic reward circuitry. In the present study, we investigated how sustained morphine may modulate the endogenous cannabinoid system in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of Sprague Dawley rats, a critical region in the mesolimbic reward circuitry. Studies here using proteomic analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) found that the VTA expresses 32 different proteins or genes related to the endogenous cannabinoid system; three of these proteins or genes (PLCγ2, ABHD6, and CB2R) were significantly affected after repeated morphine exposure (CB2R was only detected by qRT-PCR but not proteomics). We also identified that repeated morphine treatment does not alter either anandamide (AEA) or 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels in the VTA compared to saline treatment; however, there may be diminished levels of anandamide (AEA) production in the VTA 4 h after a single morphine injection in both chronic saline and morphine pretreated cohorts. Treating the animals with an inhibitor of 2-AG degradation significantly decreased repeated opioid rewarding behavior. Taken together, our studies reveal a potential influence of sustained opioids on the endocannabinoid system in the VTA, suggesting that the endogenous cannabinoid system may participate in the opioid-induced reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Austin A. Lipinski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Erika Liktor-Busa
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Angela F. Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Paul R. Langlais
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Tally M. Largent-Milnes
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Todd W. Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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14
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Opachaloemphan C, Mancini G, Konstantinides N, Parikh A, Mlejnek J, Yan H, Reinberg D, Desplan C. Early behavioral and molecular events leading to caste switching in the ant Harpegnathos. Genes Dev 2021; 35:410-424. [PMID: 33602869 PMCID: PMC7919410 DOI: 10.1101/gad.343699.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ant societies show a division of labor in which a queen is in charge of reproduction while nonreproductive workers maintain the colony. In Harpegnathos saltator, workers retain reproductive ability, inhibited by the queen pheromones. Following the queen loss, the colony undergoes social unrest with an antennal dueling tournament. Most workers quickly abandon the tournament while a few workers continue the dueling for months and become gamergates (pseudoqueens). However, the temporal dynamics of the social behavior and molecular mechanisms underlining the caste transition and social dominance remain unclear. By tracking behaviors, we show that the gamergate fate is accurately determined 3 d after initiation of the tournament. To identify genetic factors responsible for this commitment, we compared transcriptomes of different tissues between dueling and nondueling workers. We found that juvenile hormone is globally repressed, whereas ecdysone biosynthesis in the ovary is increased in gamergates. We show that molecular changes in the brain serve as earliest caste predictors compared with other tissues. Thus, behavioral and molecular data indicate that despite the prolonged social upheaval, the gamergate fate is rapidly established, suggesting a robust re-establishment of social structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Comzit Opachaloemphan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Giacomo Mancini
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | | | - Apurva Parikh
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Jakub Mlejnek
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Hua Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Danny Reinberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Claude Desplan
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
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15
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Price R, Mercuri NB, Ledonne A. Emerging Roles of Protease-Activated Receptors (PARs) in the Modulation of Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E869. [PMID: 33467143 PMCID: PMC7830300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are a class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with a unique mechanism of activation, prompted by a proteolytic cleavage in their N-terminal domain that uncovers a tethered ligand, which binds and stimulates the same receptor. PARs subtypes (PAR1-4) have well-documented roles in coagulation, hemostasis, and inflammation, and have been deeply investigated for their function in cellular survival/degeneration, while their roles in the brain in physiological conditions remain less appreciated. Here, we describe PARs' effects in the modulation of neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. Available evidence, mainly concerning PAR1-mediated and PAR2-mediated regulation of glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission, supports that PARs are important modulators of synaptic efficacy and plasticity in normal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Price
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (N.B.M.)
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (N.B.M.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, Università di Roma “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ada Ledonne
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (N.B.M.)
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16
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Bąchor U, Mączyński M. Selected β 2-, β 3- and β 2,3-Amino Acid Heterocyclic Derivatives and Their Biological Perspective. Molecules 2021; 26:438. [PMID: 33467741 PMCID: PMC7829935 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterocyclic moieties, especially five and six-membered rings containing nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atoms, are broadly distributed in nature. Among them, synthetic and natural alike are pharmacologically active compounds and have always been at the forefront of attention due to their pharmacological properties. Heterocycles can be divided into different groups based on the presence of characteristic structural motifs. The presence of β-amino acid and heterocyclic core in one compound is very interesting; additionally, it very often plays a vital role in their biological activity. Usually, such compounds are not considered to be chemicals containing a β-amino acid motif; however, considering them as this class of compounds may open new routes of their preparation and application as new drug precursors or even drugs. The possibility of their application as nonproteinogenic amino acid residues in peptide or peptide derivatives synthesis to prepare a new class of compounds is also promising. This review highlights the actual state of knowledge about β-amino acid moiety-containing heterocycles presenting antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial compounds, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors, as well as agonist and antagonists of the receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Bąchor
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
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17
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Zhang H, Karisetty BC, Bhatnagar A, Armour EM, Beaver M, Roach TV, Mortazavi S, Mandloi S, Elefant F. Tip60 protects against amyloid-β-induced transcriptomic alterations via different modes of action in early versus late stages of neurodegeneration. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 109:103570. [PMID: 33160016 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder hallmarked by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque accumulation, neuronal cell death, and cognitive deficits that worsen during disease progression. Histone acetylation dysregulation, caused by an imbalance between reduced histone acetyltransferases (HAT) Tip60 and increased histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) levels, can directly contribute to AD pathology. However, whether such AD-associated neuroepigenetic alterations occur in response to Aβ peptide production and can be protected against by increasing Tip60 levels over the course of neurodegenerative progression remains unknown. Here we profile Tip60 HAT/HDAC2 dynamics and transcriptome-wide changes across early and late stage AD pathology in the Drosophila brain produced solely by human amyloid-β42. We show that early Aβ42 induction leads to disruption of Tip60 HAT/HDAC2 balance during early neurodegenerative stages preceding Aβ plaque accumulation that persists into late AD stages. Correlative transcriptome-wide studies reveal alterations in biological processes we classified as transient (early-stage only), late-onset (late-stage only), and constant (both). Increasing Tip60 HAT levels in the Aβ42 fly brain protects against AD functional pathologies that include Aβ plaque accumulation, neural cell death, cognitive deficits, and shorter life-span. Strikingly, Tip60 protects against Aβ42-induced transcriptomic alterations via distinct mechanisms during early and late stages of neurodegeneration. Our findings reveal distinct modes of neuroepigenetic gene changes and Tip60 neuroprotection in early versus late stages in AD that can serve as early biomarkers for AD, and support the therapeutic potential of Tip60 over the course of AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Zhang
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Akanksha Bhatnagar
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ellen M Armour
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mariah Beaver
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Tiffany V Roach
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sina Mortazavi
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Shreya Mandloi
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Felice Elefant
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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18
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Lazebny OE, Kulikov AM, Butovskaya PR, Proshakov PA, Fokin AV, Butovskaya ML. Analysis of Aggressive Behavior in Young Russian Males Using 250 SNP Markers. RUSS J GENET+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795420080098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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19
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Lashkari K, Teague GC, Beattie U, Betts J, Kumar S, McLaughlin MM, López FJ. Plasma biomarkers of the amyloid pathway are associated with geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236283. [PMID: 32764794 PMCID: PMC7413518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in which local inflammation and hyperactivity of the complement pathway have been implicated in its pathophysiology. This study explores whether any surrogate biomarkers are specifically associated with GA. Plasma from subjects with GA, intermediate dry AMD and non-AMD control were evaluated in 2 cohorts. Cohort 1 was assayed in a 320-analyte Luminex library. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric and parametric methods (Kruskal-Wallis, principal component analysis, partial least squares and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and univariate ANCOVAs). Bioinformatic analysis was conducted and identified connections to the amyloid pathway. Statistically significant biomarkers identified in Cohort 1 were then re-evaluated in Cohort 2 using individual ELISA and multiplexing. Of 320 analytes in Cohort 1, 273 were rendered measurable, of which 56 were identified as changing. Among these markers, 40 were identified in univariate ANCOVAs. Serum amyloid precursor protein (sAPP) was analyzed by a separate ELISA and included in further analyses. The 40 biomarkers, sAPP and amyloid-β (Aβ) (1–42) (included for comparison) were evaluated in Cohort 2. This resulted in 11 statistically significant biomarkers, including sAPP and Aβ(1–40), but not Aβ(1–42). Other biomarkers identified included serum proteases- tissue plasminogen activator, tumor-associated trypsinogen inhibitor, matrix metalloproteinases 7 and 9, and non-proteases- insulin-like growth factor binding protein 6, AXL receptor tyrosine kinase, omentin, pentraxin-3 and osteopontin. Findings suggest that there is a preferential processing of APP to Aβ(1–40) over Aβ(1–42), and a potential role for the carboxylase activity of the γ-secretase protein, which preferentially splices sAPPβ to Aβ(1–40). Other markers are associated with the breakdown and remodeling of the extracellular matrix, and loss of homeostasis, possibly within the photoreceptor-retinal pigment epithelium-choriocapillaris complex. These data suggest novel disease pathways associated with GA pathogenesis and could provide potential novel targets for treatment of GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kameran Lashkari
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye & Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Gianna C. Teague
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye & Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ursula Beattie
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye & Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joanna Betts
- Alternative Discovery & Development, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Alternative Discovery & Development, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Megan M. McLaughlin
- Alternative Discovery & Development, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Francisco J. López
- Alternative Discovery & Development, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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20
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Comparative Transcriptomics Reveals Gene Families Associated with Predatory Behavior in Photuris femme fatale Fireflies. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11060627. [PMID: 32517321 PMCID: PMC7348864 DOI: 10.3390/genes11060627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying the basis of phenotypic variation is a key objective of genetics. This work has been mostly limited to model systems with a plethora of genetic manipulation and functional characterization tools. With the development of high-throughput sequencing and new computational tools, it is possible to identify candidate genes related to phenotypic variation in non-model organisms. Fireflies are excellent for studying phenotypic variation because of their diverse and well-characterized behaviors. Most adult fireflies emit a single mating flash pattern and do not eat. In contrast, adult females of many species in the genus Photuris employ multiple flash patterns and prey upon mate-seeking males of other firefly species. To investigate the genetic basis for this variation, we used comparative transcriptomics to identify positively selected genes between a predatory firefly, Photuris sp., and a non-predatory relative, Photuris frontalis, controlling for genes generally under selection in fireflies by comparing to a Photinus firefly. Nine gene families were identified under positive selection in the predatory versus non-predatory Photuris comparison, including genes involved in digestion, detoxification, vision, reproduction, and neural processes. These results generate intriguing hypotheses about the genetic basis for insect behavior and highlight the utility of comparative transcriptomic tools to investigate complex behaviors in non-model systems.
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21
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Valdez-Velázquez LL, Cid-Uribe J, Romero-Gutierrez MT, Olamendi-Portugal T, Jimenez-Vargas JM, Possani LD. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of the venom and venom glands of Centruroides hirsutipalpus, a dangerous scorpion from Mexico. Toxicon 2020; 179:21-32. [PMID: 32126222 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Centruroides hirsutipalpus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) is related to the "striped scorpion" group inhabiting the western Pacific region of Mexico. Human accidents caused by this species are medically important due to the great number of people stung and the severity of the resulting intoxication. This communication reports an extensive venom characterization using high-throughput proteomic and Illumina transcriptomic sequencing performed with RNA purified from its venom glands. 2,553,529 reads were assembled into 44,579 transcripts. From these transcripts, 23,880 were successfully annoted using Trinotate. Using specialized databases and by performing bioinformatic searches, it was possible to identify 147 putative venom protein transcripts. These include α- and β-type sodium channel toxins (NaScTx), potassium channel toxins (KScTx) (α-, β-, δ-, γ- and λ-types), enzymes (metalloproteases, hyaluronidases, phospholipases, serine proteases, and monooxygenases), protease inhibitors, host defense peptides (HDPs) such as defensins, non-disulfide bridge peptides (NDBPs), anionic peptides, superfamily CAP proteins, insulin growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs), orphan peptides, and other venom components (La1 peptides). De novo tandem mass spectrometric sequencing of digested venom identificatied 50 peptides. The venom of C. hirsutipalpus contains the highest reported number (77) of transcripts encoding NaScTxs, which are the components responsible for human fatalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jimena Cid-Uribe
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - María Teresa Romero-Gutierrez
- Departamento de Ciencias Computacionales, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas e Ingenierías, Universidad de Guadalajara, Boulevard Marcelino García Barragán 1421, Guadalajara, Jalisco, 44430, Mexico
| | - Timoteo Olamendi-Portugal
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | | | - Lourival D Possani
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico.
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22
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Swenarchuk LE. Nerve, Muscle, and Synaptogenesis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111448. [PMID: 31744142 PMCID: PMC6912269 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate skeletal neuromuscular junction (NMJ) has long served as a model system for studying synapse structure, function, and development. Over the last several decades, a neuron-specific isoform of agrin, a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, has been identified as playing a central role in synapse formation at all vertebrate skeletal neuromuscular synapses. While agrin was initially postulated to be the inductive molecule that initiates synaptogenesis, this model has been modified in response to work showing that postsynaptic differentiation can develop in the absence of innervation, and that synapses can form in transgenic mice in which the agrin gene is ablated. In place of a unitary mechanism for neuromuscular synapse formation, studies in both mice and zebrafish have led to the proposal that two mechanisms mediate synaptogenesis, with some synapses being induced by nerve contact while others involve the incorporation of prepatterned postsynaptic structures. Moreover, the current model also proposes that agrin can serve two functions, to induce synaptogenesis and to stabilize new synapses, once these are formed. This review examines the evidence for these propositions, and concludes that it remains possible that a single molecular mechanism mediates synaptogenesis at all NMJs, and that agrin acts as a stabilizer, while its role as inducer is open to question. Moreover, if agrin does not act to initiate synaptogenesis, it follows that as yet uncharacterized molecular interactions are required to play this essential inductive role. Several alternatives to agrin for this function are suggested, including focal pericellular proteolysis and integrin signaling, but all require experimental validation.
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23
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Genomic analysis of the tryptome reveals molecular mechanisms of gland cell evolution. EvoDevo 2019; 10:23. [PMID: 31583070 PMCID: PMC6767649 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-019-0138-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the drivers of morphological diversity is a persistent challenge in evolutionary biology. Here, we investigate functional diversification of secretory cells in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis to understand the mechanisms promoting cellular specialization across animals. Results We demonstrate regionalized expression of gland cell subtypes in the internal ectoderm of N. vectensis and show that adult gland cell identity is acquired very early in development. A phylogenetic survey of trypsins across animals suggests that this gene family has undergone numerous expansions. We reveal unexpected diversity in trypsin protein structure and show that trypsin diversity arose through independent acquisitions of non-trypsin domains. Finally, we show that trypsin diversification in N. vectensis was effected through a combination of tandem duplication, exon shuffling, and retrotransposition. Conclusions Together, these results reveal the numerous evolutionary mechanisms that drove trypsin duplication and divergence during the morphological specialization of cell types and suggest that the secretory cell phenotype is highly adaptable as a vehicle for novel secretory products.
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24
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Zhu Y, Strachan E, Fowler E, Bacus T, Roy-Byrne P, Zhao J. Genome-wide profiling of DNA methylome and transcriptome in peripheral blood monocytes for major depression: A Monozygotic Discordant Twin Study. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:215. [PMID: 31477685 PMCID: PMC6718674 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0550-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation plays an important role in major depressive disorder (MDD), but the specific genes and genomic regions associated with MDD remain largely unknown. Here we conducted genome-wide profiling of DNA methylation (Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip) and gene expression (RNA-seq) in peripheral blood monocytes from 79 monozygotic twin pairs (mean age 38.2 ± 15.6 years) discordant on lifetime history of MDD to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with MDD, followed by replication in brain tissue samples. Integrative DNA methylome and transcriptome analysis and network analysis was performed to identify potential functional epigenetic determinants for MDD. We identified 39 DMRs and 30 DEGs associated with lifetime history of MDD. Some genes were replicated in postmortem brain tissue. Integrative DNA methylome and transcriptome analysis revealed both negative and positive correlations between DNA methylation and gene expression, but the correlation pattern varies greatly by genomic locations. Network analysis revealed distinct gene modules enriched in signaling pathways related to stress responses, neuron apoptosis, insulin receptor signaling, mTOR signaling, and nerve growth factor receptor signaling, suggesting potential functional relevance to MDD. These results demonstrated that altered DNA methylation and gene expression in peripheral blood monocytes are associated with MDD. Our results highlight the utility of using peripheral blood epigenetic markers and demonstrate that a monozygotic discordant co-twin control design can aid in the discovery of novel genes associated with MDD. If validated, the newly identified genes may serve as novel biomarkers or druggable targets for MDD and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhu
- 0000 0004 1936 8091grid.15276.37Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Eric Strachan
- 0000000122986657grid.34477.33Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Emily Fowler
- 0000000122986657grid.34477.33Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Tamara Bacus
- 0000000122986657grid.34477.33Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Peter Roy-Byrne
- 0000000122986657grid.34477.33Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Jinying Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Dissecting Toxicity: The Venom Gland Transcriptome and the Venom Proteome of the Highly Venomous Scorpion Centruroides limpidus (Karsch, 1879). Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11050247. [PMID: 31052267 PMCID: PMC6563264 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11050247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venom glands and soluble venom from the Mexican scorpion Centruroides limpidus (Karsch, 1879) were used for transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, respectively. An RNA-seq was performed by high-throughput sequencing with the Illumina platform. Approximately 80 million reads were obtained and assembled into 198,662 putative transcripts, of which 11,058 were annotated by similarity to sequences from available databases. A total of 192 venom-related sequences were identified, including Na+ and K+ channel-acting toxins, enzymes, host defense peptides, and other venom components. The most diverse transcripts were those potentially coding for ion channel-acting toxins, mainly those active on Na+ channels (NaScTx). Sequences corresponding to β- scorpion toxins active of K+ channels (KScTx) and λ-KScTx are here reported for the first time for a scorpion of the genus Centruroides. Mass fingerprint corroborated that NaScTx are the most abundant components in this venom. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectometry (LC-MS/MS) allowed the identification of 46 peptides matching sequences encoded in the transcriptome, confirming their expression in the venom. This study corroborates that, in the venom of toxic buthid scorpions, the more abundant and diverse components are ion channel-acting toxins, mainly NaScTx, while they lack the HDP diversity previously demonstrated for the non-buthid scorpions. The highly abundant and diverse antareases explain the pancreatitis observed after envenomation by this species.
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Festoff BW, Citron BA. Thrombin and the Coag-Inflammatory Nexus in Neurotrauma, ALS, and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Neurol 2019; 10:59. [PMID: 30804878 PMCID: PMC6371052 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review details our current understanding of thrombin signaling in neurodegeneration, with a focus on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease) as well as future directions to be pursued. The key factors are multifunctional and involved in regulatory pathways, namely innate immune and the coagulation cascade activation, that are essential for normal nervous system function and health. These two major host defense systems have a long history in evolution and include elements and regulators of the coagulation pathway that have significant impacts on both the peripheral and central nervous system in health and disease. The clotting cascade responds to a variety of insults to the CNS including injury and infection. The blood brain barrier is affected by these responses and its compromise also contributes to these detrimental effects. Important molecules in signaling that contribute to or protect against neurodegeneration include thrombin, thrombomodulin (TM), protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1), damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), such as high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) and those released from mitochondria (mtDAMPs). Each of these molecules are entangled in choices dependent upon specific signaling pathways in play. For example, the particular cleavage of PAR1 by thrombin vs. activated protein C (APC) will have downstream effects through coupled factors to result in toxicity or neuroprotection. Furthermore, numerous interactions influence these choices such as the interplay between HMGB1, thrombin, and TM. Our hope is that improved understanding of the ways that components of the coagulation cascade affect innate immune inflammatory responses and influence the course of neurodegeneration, especially after injury, will lead to effective therapeutic approaches for ALS, traumatic brain injury, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry W Festoff
- pHLOGISTIX LLC, Fairway, KS, United States.,Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Bruce A Citron
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology Research & Development, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
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Thrombin contributes to the injury development and neurological deficit after acute subdural hemorrhage in rats only in collaboration with additional blood-derived factors. BMC Neurosci 2018; 19:81. [PMID: 30591020 PMCID: PMC6307215 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-018-0481-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute subdural hemorrhage (ASDH) is a severe consequence of traumatic brain injury. The occurrence of subdural blood increases the lethality of these patients independent of the amount of blood or elevated intracranial pressure. Thrombin is one of the potential harmful blood components. Possible harmful effects of thrombin are mediated via the Protease-activated-receptor-1 (PAR1) and thus, translating the acute Thrombin release after ASDH into cell loss. The objectives of the present study were twofold, namely to examine (1) the impact of direct thrombin inhibition in the acute phase after hemorrhage on the long-term histological and functional deficits and (2) the early inhibition of PAR1 activation by thrombin with the selective antagonist SCH79797 on lesion volume at 14 days after ASDH. The effects of thrombin on the lesion size were investigated in two separate experiments via (1) direct thrombin inhibition in the subdural infused blood (Argatroban 600 µg) as well as by (2) intraventricular injection of the PAR-1 antagonist SCH79797 (1 µg or 5 µg). Lesion volume and behavior deficits using a neurological deficit score and a motor function test (beam balance test) were analyzed as outcome parameters at 14 days after injury. Results 59 Male Sprague–Dawley rats received a subdural infusion of 300 µl autologous blood or sham operation. Lesion volume at 14 days after ASDH tended to be smaller in the Argatroban-treated group when compared to the vehicle group (8.1 ± 1.1 vs. 10.1 ± 2.3 mm2, n.s.). Motor deficits in the beam balance test were not significantly less severe in the Argatroban-treated group. Animals treated with SCH79797 also showed a trend towards dose-dependent decreased lesion volume in comparison to the vehicle-treated group (1 μg: 4.3 ± 0.7 mm3; 5 μg: 3.8 ± 1.1 mm3; vehicle: 6.5 ± 2.0 mm3, n.s). Conclusions Thrombin inhibition in the subdural blood and local cerebral blockade of PAR-1 cause a tendency towards reduced lesion volume or functional recovery. All results show a trend in favor of the acute treatment on the outcome parameters. Our results suggests that thrombin could be an important blood-derived factor during acute subdural hemorrhage that translates its deleterious effects in concert with other blood-induced factors.
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Identification and pharmaceutical evaluation of novel frog skin-derived serine proteinase inhibitor peptide-PE-BBI (Pelophylax esculentus Bowman-Birk inhibitor) for the potential treatment of cancer. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14502. [PMID: 30267012 PMCID: PMC6162207 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32947-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibian venom-derived peptides have high potential in the field of anticancer drug discovery. We have isolated a novel Bowman-Birk proteinase inhibitor (BBI)-type peptide from the skin secretion of Pelophylax esculentus (PE) named PE-BBI, and evaluated its bio-functions and anti-cancer activity in vitro. PE-BBI is a heptadecapeptide with C-terminal amidation. The mRNA sequence and primary structure of PE-BBI were identified using RT-PCR and LC/MS, respectively. A trypsin inhibitory assay was used to characterize the serine proteinase inhibitory activity of synthetic PE-BBI. PE-BBI’s myotropic activity was analyzed using isolated rat bladder and rat-tail artery smooth muscle tissues, and the anti-cancer ability of PE-BBI using human colorectal cancer cells. PE-BBI’s mechanism of action was investigated using Discovery studio software. PE-BBI showed trypsin inhibitory activity (Ki = 310 ± 72 nM), strong myotropic activity, and cytotoxicity that were specific to cancer cells, and no side effect to normal epithelial cells. The docking stimulation showed that PE-BBI had high affinity to several members of human kallikrein related peptidase (KLK) family. This finding helps to enrich our understanding of BBI peptides’ mode of action. Moreover, the data presented here validates frog secretions as sources of potential novel proteinase inhibitors for cancer treatment.
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The diversity of venom components of the scorpion species Paravaejovis schwenkmeyeri (Scorpiones: Vaejovidae) revealed by transcriptome and proteome analyses. Toxicon 2018; 151:47-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.06.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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A serine protease KLK8 emerges as a regulator of regulators in memory: Microtubule protein dependent neuronal morphology and PKA-CREB signaling. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9928. [PMID: 29967374 PMCID: PMC6028475 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27640-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The multitude of molecular pathways underlying memory impairment in neurological disorders and aging-related disorders has been a major hurdle against therapeutic targeting. Over the years, neuronal growth promoting factors, intracellular kinases, and specific transcription factors, particularly cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), have emerged as crucial players of memory storage, and their disruption accompanies many cognitive disabilities. However, a molecular link that can influence these major players and can be a potential recovery target has been elusive. Recent reports suggest that extracellular cues at the synapses might evoke an intracellular signaling cascade and regulate memory function. Herein, we report novel function of an extracellular serine protease, kallikrein 8 (KLK8/Neuropsin) in regulating the expression of microtubule associated dendrite growth marker microtubule-associated protein (MAP2)c, dendrite architecture and protein kinase A (PKA)-CREB signaling. Both knockdown of KLK8 via siRNA transfection in mouse primary hippocampal neurons and via intra-hippocampal administration of KLK8 antisense oligonucleotides in vivo reduced expression of MAP2c, dendrite length, dendrite branching and spine density. The KLK8 mediated MAP2c deficiency in turn inactivated PKA and downstream transcription factor phosphorylated CREB (pCREB), leading to downregulation of memory-linked genes and consequent impaired memory consolidation. These findings revealed a protease associated novel pathway of memory impairment in which KLK8 may act as a “regulator of regulators”, suggesting its exploration as an important therapeutic target of memory disorders.
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Gaydukov AE, Akutin IA, Bogacheva PO, Balezina OP. Changes in the Parameters of Quantal Acetylcholine Release after Activation of PAR1-Type Thrombin Receptors at the Mouse Neuromuscular Junctions. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW), SUPPLEMENT SERIES A: MEMBRANE AND CELL BIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1990747818010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Genome-wide association study of subcortical brain volume in PTSD cases and trauma-exposed controls. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:1265. [PMID: 29187748 PMCID: PMC5802459 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-017-0021-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Depending on the traumatic event, a significant fraction of trauma survivors subsequently develop PTSD. The additional variability in PTSD risk is expected to arise from genetic susceptibility. Unfortunately, several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have failed to identify a consistent genetic marker for PTSD. The heritability of intermediate phenotypes such as regional brain volumes is often 80% or higher. We conducted a GWAS of subcortical brain volumes in a sample of recent military veteran trauma survivors (n = 157), grouped into PTSD (n = 66) and non-PTSD controls (n = 91). Covariates included PTSD diagnosis, sex, intracranial volume, ancestry, childhood trauma, SNP×PTSD diagnosis, and SNP×childhood trauma. We identified several genetic markers in high linkage disequilibrium (LD) with rs9373240 (p = 2.0 × 10-7, FDR q = 0.0375) that were associated with caudate volume. We also observed a significant interaction between rs9373240 and childhood trauma (p-values = 0.0007-0.002), whereby increased trauma exposure produced a stronger association between SNPs and increased caudate volume. We identified several SNPs in high LD with rs34043524, which is downstream of the TRAM1L1 gene that were associated with right lateral ventricular volume (p = 1.73 × 10-7; FDR q = 0.032) and were also associated with lifetime alcohol abuse or dependence (p = 2.49 × 10-7; FDR q = 0.0375). Finally, we identified several SNPs in high LD with rs13140180 (p = 2.58 × 10-7; FDR q = .0016), an intergenic region on chromosome 4, and several SNPs in the TMPRSS15 associated with right nucleus accumbens volume (p = 2.58 × 10-7; FDR q = 0.017). Both TRAM1L1 and TMPRSS15 have been previously implicated in neuronal function. Key results survived genome-wide multiple-testing correction in our sample. Leveraging neuroimaging phenotypes may offer a shortcut, relative to clinical phenotypes, in mapping the genetic architecture and neurobiological pathways of PTSD.
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Bozler J, Kacsoh BZ, Chen H, Theurkauf WE, Weng Z, Bosco G. A systems level approach to temporal expression dynamics in Drosophila reveals clusters of long term memory genes. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1007054. [PMID: 29084214 PMCID: PMC5679645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to integrate experiential information and recall it in the form of memory is observed in a wide range of taxa, and is a hallmark of highly derived nervous systems. Storage of past experiences is critical for adaptive behaviors that anticipate both adverse and positive environmental factors. The process of memory formation and consolidation involve many synchronized biological events including gene transcription, protein modification, and intracellular trafficking: However, many of these molecular mechanisms remain illusive. With Drosophila as a model system we use a nonassociative memory paradigm and a systems level approach to uncover novel transcriptional patterns. RNA sequencing of Drosophila heads during and after memory formation identified a number of novel memory genes. Tracking the dynamic expression of these genes over time revealed complex gene networks involved in long term memory. In particular, this study focuses on two functional gene clusters of signal peptides and proteases. Bioinformatics network analysis and prediction in combination with high-throughput RNA sequencing identified previously unknown memory genes, which when genetically knocked down resulted in behaviorally validated memory defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianna Bozler
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States of America
| | - Balint Z. Kacsoh
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States of America
| | - Hao Chen
- Bioinformatics Program, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - William E. Theurkauf
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Zhiping Weng
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Giovanni Bosco
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States of America
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Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease which is on the rise worldwide. Despite a wealth of information, genetic factors contributing to the emergence of AD still remain incompletely understood. Sporadic AD is polygenetic in nature and is associated with various environmental risks. Epigenetic mechanisms are well-recognized in the mediation of gene environment interactions, and analysis of epigenetic changes at the genome scale can offer new insights into the relationship between brain epigenomes and AD. In fact, recent epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) indicate that changes in DNA methylation are an early event preceding clinical manifestation and are tightly associated with AD neuropathology. Further, candidate genes from EWAS interact with those from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that can undergo epigenetic changes in their upstream gene regulatory elements. Functionally, AD-associated DNA methylation changes partially influence transcription of candidate genes involved in pathways relevant to AD. The timing of epigenomic changes in AD together with the genes affected indicate a critical role, however, further mechanistic insight is required to corroborate this hypothesis. In this respect, recent advances in neuronal reprogramming of patient-derived cells combined with new genome-editing techniques offer unprecedented opportunities to dissect the functional and mechanistic role of epigenomic changes in AD.
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Yasumitsu H. Serine Protease Zymography: Low-Cost, Rapid, and Highly Sensitive RAMA Casein Zymography. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1626:13-24. [PMID: 28608196 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7111-4_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
To detect serine protease activity by zymography, casein and CBB stain have been used as a substrate and a detection procedure, respectively. Casein zymography has been using substrate concentration at 1 mg/mL and employing conventional CBB stain. Although ordinary casein zymography provides reproducible results, it has several disadvantages including time-consuming and relative low sensitivity. Improved casein zymography, RAMA casein zymography, is rapid and highly sensitive. RAMA casein zymography completes the detection process within 1 h after incubation and increases the sensitivity at least by tenfold. In addition to serine protease, the method also detects metalloprotease 7 (MMP7, Matrilysin) with high sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetaro Yasumitsu
- Expert Laboratory for Life Environments (ELLE), Yokohama City University, 22-2 Seto, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0027, Japan.
- Division of Pharmacy, Kamimach Hospital, 1-7-34, Kochi, 780-0901, Japan.
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Liu Y, Li C, Wang J, Fang Y, Sun H, Tao X, Zhou XF, Liao H. Nafamostat Mesilate Improves Neurological Outcome and Axonal Regeneration after Stroke in Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:4217-4231. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9999-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
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37
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Tanaka M, Yoneyama M, Shiba T, Yamaguchi T, Ogita K. Protease-activated receptor-1 negatively regulates proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells derived from the hippocampal dentate gyrus of the adult mouse. J Pharmacol Sci 2016; 131:162-71. [PMID: 27426918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrombin-activated protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1 regulates the proliferation of neural cells following brain injury. To elucidate the involvement of PAR-1 in the neurogenesis that occurs in the adult hippocampus, we examined whether PAR-1 regulated the proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from the murine hippocampal dentate gyrus. NPC cultures expressed PAR-1 protein and mRNA encoding all subtypes of PAR. Direct exposure of the cells to thrombin dramatically attenuated the cell proliferation without causing cell damage. This thrombin-induced attenuation was almost completely abolished by the PAR antagonist RWJ 56110, as well as by dabigatran and 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride (AEBSF), which are selective and non-selective thrombin inhibitors, respectively. Expectedly, the PAR-1 agonist peptide (AP) SFLLR-NH2 also attenuated the cell proliferation. The cell proliferation was not affected by the PAR-1 negative control peptide RLLFT-NH2, which is an inactive peptide for PAR-1. Independently, we determined the effect of in vivo treatment with AEBSF or AP on hippocampal neurogenesis in the adult mouse. The administration of AEBSF, but not that of AP, significantly increased the number of newly-generated cells in the hippocampal subgranular zone. These data suggest that PAR-1 negatively regulated adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus by inhibiting the proliferative activity of the NPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Tanaka
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0101, Japan
| | - Masanori Yoneyama
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0101, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Shiba
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0101, Japan
| | - Taro Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0101, Japan
| | - Kiyokazu Ogita
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0101, Japan.
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Khan MB, Khan H, Shah MU, Khan S. Purification and biochemical properties of SDS-stable low molecular weight alkaline serine protease from Citrullus colocynthis. Nat Prod Res 2016; 30:935-40. [PMID: 26942486 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2015.1079909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A low molecular weight serine protease from seeds of Citrullus colocynthis was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity with high level of catalytic efficiency (22,945 M(-1) S(-1)). The enzyme was a monomer with molecular mass of 25 kDa estimated by SDS-PAGE. The enzyme was highly active over a pH range of 6.5-9.0 and temperature range of 20-80 °C, with maximum activity at pH 7.5 and at 50 °C. The K(m) and K(cat) were 73 μg/mL and 67/s, respectively. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by PMSF, moderately by soybean trypsin inhibitor, indicating that the enzyme was a serine protease. The enzyme retained 86 and 73% of its activity in the presence of urea and DTT, respectively, and its activity was slightly enhanced in the presence of anionic detergent (SDS). Thus, the enzyme is a novel SDS-stable protease with high catalytic efficiency over wide ranges of pH and temperature which is commercially promising for various industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Bashir Khan
- a Department of Bioscience , COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Islamabad , Pakistan.,b H.E.J Research Institute of Chemistry , International Centre for Chemical Sciences, University of Karachi , Karachi , Pakistan
| | - Hidayatullah Khan
- c Department of Chemistry , University of Science and Technology , Bannu , Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Shah
- a Department of Bioscience , COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Islamabad , Pakistan
| | - Sanaullah Khan
- a Department of Bioscience , COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Islamabad , Pakistan
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Hoirisch-Clapauch S, Amaral OB, Mezzasalma MAU, Panizzutti R, Nardi AE. Dysfunction in the coagulation system and schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e704. [PMID: 26731441 PMCID: PMC5068878 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2015.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although different hypotheses have been formulated to explain schizophrenia pathogenesis, the links between them are weak. The observation that five psychotic patients on chronic warfarin therapy for deep-vein thrombosis showed long-term remission of psychotic symptoms made us suspect that abnormalities in the coagulation pathway, specifically low tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) activity, could be one of the missing links. Our hypothesis is supported by a high prevalence of conditions affecting tPA activity in drug-naive schizophrenia, such as antiphospholipid antibodies, elevated cytokine levels, hyperinsulinemia and hyperhomocysteinemia. We recently screened a group of schizophrenia patients and controls for conditions affecting tPA activity. Free-protein S deficiency was highly prevalent among patients, but not found in controls. Free-protein S and functional protein C are natural anticoagulants that form complexes that inhibit tPA inhibitors. All participants had normal protein C levels, suggesting that protein S could have a role in schizophrenia, independent of protein C. Chronic patients and those studied during acute episodes had between three and six conditions affecting tPA and/or protein S activity, while patients in remission had up to two, which led us to postulate that multiple conditions affecting tPA and/or protein S activity could contribute to the full expression of schizophrenia phenotype. This paper describes the physiological roles of tPA and protein S, reviewing how their activity influences pathogenesis and comorbidity of schizophrenia. Next, it analyzes how activity of tPA and protein S is influenced by biochemical abnormalities found in schizophrenia. Last, it suggests future directions for research, such as studies on animal models and on therapeutic approaches for schizophrenia aiming at increasing tPA and protein S activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hoirisch-Clapauch
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Federal dos Servidores do Estado, Ministry of Health, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - O B Amaral
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical Biochemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M A U Mezzasalma
- Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute for Translational Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Translacional em Medicina, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - R Panizzutti
- Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Basic-Clinical Neuroscience Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - A E Nardi
- Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute for Translational Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Translacional em Medicina, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Lunko OO, Isaev DS, Krishtal OO, Isaeva EV. Thrombin modulates persistent sodium current in CA1 pyramidal neurons of young and adult rat hippocampus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 61:5-10. [PMID: 26552299 DOI: 10.15407/fz61.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Serine protease thrombin, a key factor of blood coagulation, participates in many neuronal processes important for normal brain functioning and during pathological conditions involving abnormal neuronal synchronization, neurodegeneration and inflammation. Our previous study on CA3 pyramidal neurons showed that application ofthrombin through the activation of specific protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) produces a significant hyperpolarizing shift of the activation of the TTX-sensitive persistent voltage-gated Na+ current (I(Nap)) thereby affecting membrane potential and seizure threshold at the network level. It was shown that PAR1 is also expressed in CA1 area of hippocampus and can be implicated in neuronal damage in this area after status epilepticus. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of thrombin on I(NaP) in CA1 pyramidal neurons from adult and young rats. Using whole cell patch-clamp technique we demonstrate that thrombin application results in the hyperpolarization shift of I(NaP) activation as well as increase in the I(NaP) amplitude in both age groups. We have found that I(NaP) in pyramidal neurons of hippocampal CA 1 region is more vulnerable to the thrombin action than I(NaP) in pyramidal neurons of hippocampal CA3 region. We have also found that the immature hippocampus is more sensitive to thrombin action which emphasizes the contribution of thrombin-dependent pathway to the regulation of neuronal activity in immature brain.
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Hoirisch-Clapauch S, Nardi AE. Improvement of Psychotic Symptoms and the Role of Tissue Plasminogen Activator. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:27550-60. [PMID: 26593907 PMCID: PMC4661911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161126053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) mediates a number of processes that are pivotal for synaptogenesis and remodeling of synapses, including proteolysis of the brain extracellular matrix, degradation of adhesion molecules, activation of neurotrophins, and activation of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor. Abnormalities in these processes have been consistently described in psychotic disorders. In this paper, we review the physiological roles of tPA, focusing on conditions characterized by low tPA activity, which are prevalent in schizophrenia. We then describe how tPA activity is influenced by lifestyle interventions and nutritional supplements that may ameliorate psychotic symptoms. Next, we analyze the role of tPA in the mechanism of action of hormones and medications effective in mitigating psychotic symptoms, such as pregnenolone, estrogen, oxytocin, dopamine D3 receptor antagonists, retinoic acid, valproic acid, cannabidiol, sodium nitroprusside, N-acetyl cysteine, and warfarin. We also review evidence that tPA participates in the mechanism by which electroconvulsive therapy and cigarette smoking may reduce psychotic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Hoirisch-Clapauch
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Federal dos Servidores do Estado, Ministry of Health, Rio de Janeiro CEP 20221-903, Brazil.
| | - Antonio E Nardi
- Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, and National Institute for Translational Medicine, INCT-TM CEP 22290-140, Brazil.
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The Role of Proteases in Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity: Putting Together Small Pieces of a Complex Puzzle. Neurochem Res 2015; 41:156-82. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-015-1752-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Wiera G, Mozrzymas JW. Extracellular proteolysis in structural and functional plasticity of mossy fiber synapses in hippocampus. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:427. [PMID: 26582976 PMCID: PMC4631828 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain is continuously altered in response to experience and environmental changes. One of the underlying mechanisms is synaptic plasticity, which is manifested by modification of synapse structure and function. It is becoming clear that regulated extracellular proteolysis plays a pivotal role in the structural and functional remodeling of synapses during brain development, learning and memory formation. Clearly, plasticity mechanisms may substantially differ between projections. Mossy fiber synapses onto CA3 pyramidal cells display several unique functional features, including pronounced short-term facilitation, a presynaptically expressed long-term potentiation (LTP) that is independent of NMDAR activation, and NMDA-dependent metaplasticity. Moreover, structural plasticity at mossy fiber synapses ranges from the reorganization of projection topology after hippocampus-dependent learning, through intrinsically different dynamic properties of synaptic boutons to pre- and postsynaptic structural changes accompanying LTP induction. Although concomitant functional and structural plasticity in this pathway strongly suggests a role of extracellular proteolysis, its impact only starts to be investigated in this projection. In the present report, we review the role of extracellular proteolysis in various aspects of synaptic plasticity in hippocampal mossy fiber synapses. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that among perisynaptic proteases, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)/plasmin system, β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and metalloproteinases play a crucial role in shaping plastic changes in this projection. We discuss recent advances and emerging hypotheses on the roles of proteases in mechanisms underlying mossy fiber target specific synaptic plasticity and memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Wiera
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University Wroclaw, Poland ; Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biophysics, Wroclaw Medical University Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy W Mozrzymas
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University Wroclaw, Poland ; Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biophysics, Wroclaw Medical University Wroclaw, Poland
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Lin Y, Hang H, Chen T, Zhou M, Wang L, Shaw C. pLR-HL: A Novel Amphibian Bowman-Birk-type Trypsin Inhibitor from the Skin Secretion of the Broad-folded Frog, Hylarana latouchii. Chem Biol Drug Des 2015; 87:91-100. [PMID: 26228512 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we report a novel heptadecapeptide (LIGGCWTKSIPPKPCLV) of the pLR/ranacyclin family, named pLR-HL, whose structure was deduced from its biosynthetic precursor-encoding cDNA cloned from the skin secretion-derived cDNA library of the broad-folded frog, Hylarana latouchii, by employing a 'shotgun' cloning technique. It contains a disulphide loop between Cys(5) and Cys(15) which is consistent with Bowman-Birk-type protease inhibitors. The primary structure of pLR-HL deduced from the cDNA sequence was confirmed by fractionating the skin secretion using reverse-phase HPLC and subsequent analysis using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and LC/MS/MS fragmentation sequencing. On the basis of the establishment of unequivocal amino acid sequence, a synthetic replicate was synthesized by solid-phase Fmoc chemistry, and it displayed a moderately potent trypsin inhibition with a Ki of 143 nm. The substitution of Lys-8 by Phe (Phe(8) -pLR-HL) resulted in abolition of trypsin inhibition but generation of modest inhibition on chymotrypsin with a Ki of 2.141 μm. Additionally, both the disulphide loops of pLR-HL and Phe(8) -pLR-HL were synthesized and tested. Both of the catalytic loops retained similar inhibitory potencies towards trypsin or chymotrypsin in comparison with the original intact molecules. Thus, the replacement of reactive site residues could alter the specificity of these protease inhibitors, while the canonical reactive loop alone can independently constitute biologically active moiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK.,Key Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Haiying Hang
- Key Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Mei Zhou
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Lei Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Chris Shaw
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
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45
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Becker D, Ikenberg B, Schiener S, Maggio N, Vlachos A. NMDA-receptor inhibition restores Protease-Activated Receptor 1 (PAR1) mediated alterations in homeostatic synaptic plasticity of denervated mouse dentate granule cells. Neuropharmacology 2014; 86:212-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Chen T, Wang J, Li C, Zhang W, Zhang L, An L, Pang T, Shi X, Liao H. Nafamostat mesilate attenuates neuronal damage in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia through thrombin inhibition. Sci Rep 2014; 4:5531. [PMID: 24985053 PMCID: PMC4078306 DOI: 10.1038/srep05531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that thrombin, a blood coagulation serine protease, mediates neuronal injury in experimental cerebral ischemia. Here, we test the hypothesis that nafamostat mesilate, a serine protease inhibitor, may ameliorate ischemia-induced neuronal damage through thrombin inhibition after ischemic stroke. Focal ischemia was induced in adult Sprague-Dawley rats by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 2 hours followed by 22 hours of reperfusion. The administration of nafamostat mesilate during ischemia and reperfusion reduced the brain infarct volume, edema volume and neurological deficit. Thrombin expression and activity in the ipsilateral striatum were increased after ischemia, whereas the administration of nafamostat mesilate significantly inhibited thrombin expression and activity. Immunostaining showed that the majority of thrombin was expressed in neurons. TUNEL staining showed that nafamostat mesilate reduced the number of dying cells during ischemia. A rat behavioral test showed that nafamostat mesilate treatment significantly improved the learning ability of ischemic rats. These results suggest that nafamostat mesilate may have a potential therapeutic role for neuroprotection against focal cerebral ischemia through thrombin inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Chen
- Jiangsu Center for Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R.China
| | - Jing Wang
- Jiangsu Center for Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R.China
| | - Chenhui Li
- Jiangsu Center for Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R.China
| | - Weining Zhang
- School of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P.R.China
| | - Luyong Zhang
- Jiangsu Center for Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R.China
| | - Lufan An
- Jiangsu D&R Pharmaceutical Co. LTD, Taizhou 225300, P.R.China
| | - Tao Pang
- Jiangsu Center for Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R.China
| | - Xinzhong Shi
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R.China
| | - Hong Liao
- Jiangsu Center for Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R.China
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Tsilibary E, Tzinia A, Radenovic L, Stamenkovic V, Lebitko T, Mucha M, Pawlak R, Frischknecht R, Kaczmarek L. Neural ECM proteases in learning and synaptic plasticity. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2014; 214:135-57. [PMID: 25410356 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63486-3.00006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies implicate extracellular proteases in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. The data are especially strong for such serine proteases as thrombin, tissue plasminogen activator, neurotrypsin, and neuropsin as well as matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-9 in particular. The role of those enzymes in the aforementioned phenomena is supported by the experimental results on the expression patterns (at the gene expression and protein and enzymatic activity levels) and functional studies, including knockout mice, specific inhibitors, etc. Counterintuitively, the studies have shown that the extracellular proteolysis is not responsible mainly for an overall degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and loosening perisynaptic structures, but rather allows for releasing signaling molecules from the ECM, transsynaptic proteins, and latent form of growth factors. Notably, there are also indications implying those enzymes in the major neuropsychiatric disorders, probably by contributing to synaptic aberrations underlying such diseases as schizophrenia, bipolar, autism spectrum disorders, and drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Effie Tsilibary
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, NCSR "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Athina Tzinia
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, NCSR "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Lidija Radenovic
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vera Stamenkovic
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tomasz Lebitko
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Renato Frischknecht
- Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Leszek Kaczmarek
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute, Warsaw, Poland.
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Fuchs AV, Kotman N, Andrieu J, Mailänder V, Weiss CK, Landfester K. Enzyme cleavable nanoparticles from peptide based triblock copolymers. NANOSCALE 2013; 5:4829-4839. [PMID: 23612962 DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00706e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A solid-phase synthesis based approach towards protease cleavable polystyrene-peptide-polystyrene triblock copolymers and their formulation to nanoparticulate systems is presented. These nanoparticles are suitable for the optical detection of an enzyme and have the potential for application as a drug delivery system. Two different peptide sequences, one cleaved by trypsin (GFF), the other by hepsin (RQLRVVGG), a protease overexpressed in early stages of prostate cancer, are used as the central part of the triblock. For optical detection a fluorophore-quencher pair is introduced around the cleavage sequence. The solid phase synthesis is conduced such that two identical sequences are synthesized from one branching point. Eventually, carboxy-terminated polystyrene is introduced into the peptide synthesizer and coupled to the amino-termini of the branched sequence. Upon cleavage, a fragment is released from the triblock copolymer, which has the potential for use in drug delivery applications. Conducting the whole synthesis on a solid phase in the peptide synthesizer avoids solubility issues and post-synthetic purification steps. Due to the hydrophobic PS-chains, the copolymer can easily be formulated to form nanoparticles using a nanoprecipitation process. Incubation of the nanoparticles with the respective enzymes leads to a significant increase of the fluorescence from the incorporated fluorophore, thereby indicating cleavage of the peptide sequence and decomposition of the particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian V Fuchs
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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Kozhevnikova OS, Korbolina EE, Ershov NI, Kolosova NG. Rat retinal transcriptome: effects of aging and AMD-like retinopathy. Cell Cycle 2013; 12:1745-61. [PMID: 23656783 DOI: 10.4161/cc.24825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly, remains poorly understood due to the paucity of animal models that fully replicate the human disease. Recently, we showed that senescence-accelerated OXYS rats develop a retinopathy similar to human AMD. To identify alterations in response to normal aging and progression of AMD-like retinopathy, we compared gene expression profiles of retina from 3- and 18-mo-old OXYS and control Wistar rats by means of high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). We identified 160 and 146 age-regulated genes in Wistar and OXYS retinas, respectively. The majority of them are related to the immune system and extracellular matrix turnover. Only 24 age-regulated genes were common for the two strains, suggestive of different rates and mechanisms of aging. Over 600 genes showed significant differences in expression between the two strains. These genes are involved in disease-associated pathways such as immune response, inflammation, apoptosis, Ca ( 2+) homeostasis and oxidative stress. The altered expression for selected genes was confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis. To our knowledge, this study represents the first analysis of retinal transcriptome from young and old rats with biologic replicates generated by RNA-Seq technology. We can conclude that the development of AMD-like retinopathy in OXYS rats is associated with an imbalance in immune and inflammatory responses. Aging alters the expression profile of numerous genes in the retina, and the genetic background of OXYS rats has a profound impact on the development of AMD-like retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyuna S Kozhevnikova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia
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50
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Wan H, Lee KS, Kim BY, Zou FM, Yoon HJ, Je YH, Li J, Jin BR. A spider-derived Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor that acts as a plasmin inhibitor and an elastase inhibitor. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53343. [PMID: 23308198 PMCID: PMC3537671 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors are involved in various physiological processes, such as ion channel blocking, blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, and inflammation. While spider-derived Kunitz-type proteins show activity in trypsin or chymotrypsin inhibition and K+ channel blocking, no additional role for these proteins has been elucidated. In this study, we identified the first spider (Araneus ventricosus) Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor (AvKTI) that acts as a plasmin inhibitor and an elastase inhibitor. AvKTI possesses a Kunitz domain consisting of a 57-amino-acid mature peptide that displays features consistent with Kunitz-type inhibitors, including six conserved cysteine residues and a P1 lysine residue. Recombinant AvKTI, expressed in baculovirus-infected insect cells, showed a dual inhibitory activity against trypsin (Ki 7.34 nM) and chymotrypsin (Ki 37.75 nM), defining a role for AvKTI as a spider-derived Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor. Additionally, AvKTI showed no detectable inhibitory effects on factor Xa, thrombin, or tissue plasminogen activator; however, AvKTI inhibited plasmin (Ki 4.89 nM) and neutrophil elastase (Ki 169.07 nM), indicating that it acts as an antifibrinolytic factor and an antielastolytic factor. These findings constitute molecular evidence that AvKTI acts as a plasmin inhibitor and an elastase inhibitor and also provide a novel view of the functions of a spider-derived Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Wan
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Sik Lee
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Yeon Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Feng Ming Zou
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Joo Yoon
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Ho Je
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jianhong Li
- Department of Plant Protection, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Byung Rae Jin
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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